Reported assaults on Great Britain’s railways have risen to a record high of almost 25,000 incidents in a year, according to data published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Sharp rise in passenger assaults
There were 13,464 reported assaults against passengers and members of the public on the mainline railway in 2025-26, up 36% on the previous year. This is the highest number recorded by the ORR since it started tracking the figures in 2004.
Assaults on rail staff were up 12% in a year to 11,289 reported incidents. These were mainly verbal abuse but included nearly 2,500 physical assaults, an average of about seven every day.
Harassment and common assault increases
The assaults on members of the public included rises in cases of harassment, up 52% year on year, and common assault, up by 30%.
The Guardian is seeking to speak to passengers and rail workers who have been assaulted on Britain’s railways. Responses can be shared anonymously, and submissions will only be published after contact. Contributions are secure as the form is encrypted, and only the Guardian has access to the data provided.
